The goal of the Newton County tennis teams is always the same, and that’s to compete for a state championship.
It’s just the road to the state championship will look a little different this year than it has in year’s past.
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For the past six years, Newton County has played New Albany in the Class 4A finals for the state championship. But this year, Newton County’s road to the title match will look different. After years of playing in the South, Newton County was moved North this year and will compete in Division 4-4A, meaning they will likely face New Albany in the North half playoffs instead of the state championship.
“The path to the finals has gotten tougher because we are in the North for the first time in 25 years,” County coach Chad Bond said. “It’s a shame because we have met in the finals the last six years. Now, we could meet in the second round. It’s unfortunate, but there is nothing we can do about it. It’s like I told my kids, to win a state championship we are going to have to beat New Albany at some point. It’s the same bump for us, it’s just at another place on the road.”
The Cougars return another talented team to the courts this season.
“We bring a lot back,” Bond said. “I think the general theme for us is we were really young last year and they are all a year older, stronger and more experienced this year. I’ve been pleased with what I have seen at practice so far.”
On the girls side, Bond returns a talented and experienced squad. Coming back to lead the way is senior Lauren Addy. Bond said Addy is his best player and has interest from most of the junior colleges in the state; however she hasn’t decided if she will play after her senior year. Also coming back is junior Emily Stewart, who was a semifinalist in mixed doubles last year. Juniors Marilyn Tullos and Ava Espy return this year as well. Bond said Tullos has been battling a back injury but hopes she is back before long. He also said Espy has gotten bigger and stronger since last year and expects big things out of her this season.
Bond said sophomore Maggie Bounds and Brenah Flint are both looking to play expanded roles this season after platooning last year. Also looking for court time this year is eighth grader Josie Tullos, who cracked the top 10 in the state’s USTA rankings this year. Bond said Tullos will push for playing time this season.
“The hardest part with the girls is deciding who’s going to play and where,” Bond said. “It’s a talented group of girls with a lot of experience. They’ve all gotten better and have worked really hard this off-season.”
On the boys side, the Cougars return just two starters. Coming back are junior Lee Hill, who won the Class 4A doubles state championship last year, and junior Parker Chaney, who will be starting for the third year for the Cougars.
Expected to start this year will be a pair of freshman in Tate Baucum and Cole Tadlock along with sophomore Donald Blake, all of who saw playing time last year but will be counted on to be starters this year. Also expected to see playing time is Cade Cooley.
Newton County will compete in Division 4-4A with West Lauderdale, Northeast Lauderdale, Louisville, Leake Central and Kosciusko.
